'Support' Stickers Vague

To the Editor:

I'm writing in response to the issues of "Support Our Troops" ribbons brought up by Samantha Roth ("Reality vs. Republicanism," Sept. 24). I too have seen these aesthetically pleasing ribbons on the backs of cars and wondered to myself what these ribbons really mean. Since they give us no guidance on how we can actually support the troops I'm forced to infer from them, and the tone of much of our country's political debate, what they possibly could mean. I have a feeling that the message behind these ribbons is meant to silence criticism of the country's military actions by equating any critique of President Bush and his policies with some how denigrating the service of the individual soldiers overseas and not fully wishing for their safety. But these little magnets would not say that, would they?

This would suggest that any less than full and blind support of the troops and by extension the President's policy is unpatriotic or even treasonous. This message is highly contemptible and is shameless in its attempt to stifle criticism and use our inherent concerns for the safety of the military to draw political support.

In the future so I don't make a mistake in interpreting a vacuous statement like "Support Our Troops" why don't you just tell me what you really think? If you think that the troops are best supported by backing President George W. Bush and his policies than tell me to vote Bush/Cheney. If you believe the troops are best supported by being safely at home, advocate their return or a message of peace. If you somehow believe that the expression of an opinion by myself or anyone else is endangering the safety of our troops tell me not to dissent in a time of war or to tone down my rhetoric. Even though many see this as antithetical to the spirit of free debate in America I'd be more at ease to actually receive instructions on how I can help our troops. And even though I'm not a religious man a statement like "pray for the safety of our troops" would actually seem much more supportive while not carrying with it undertones of hostility to criticism.